Comparative investigation of nanomaterial-enhanced asphalt binders in the UAE: a multifaceted study

This study explores the impact of incorporating six distinct nanomaterials into asphalt binders to determine their effectiveness in resisting permanent deformation, fatigue and thermal cracking. Additionally, the study aimed to establish the Optimum Nano Content (ONC) for each nanomaterial to achieve the best performance against these distresses. The key findings revealed that asphalt binders with 2% Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) or Nano CuO (NCO) demonstrated the best rheological properties, partially in enhancing Elastic Recovery (ER) and rutting resistance, making them ideal for use in hot climate regions. In terms of fatigue performance, all nanomodified asphalt binders, except 2% NAT, exhibited higher fatigue life (Nf) than the control, with the NCO-nanomodified asphalt binder exhibiting the highest Nf, achieving values six to seven times greater than the control. Most nanomaterials showed no noticeable improvement in low-temperature performance, where the best performance was observed for 2% CNT and 6% Nano Iron Trioxide (NIT). For rutting resistance, the ONC for most nanomaterials was approximately 2%, whereas the ONC for fatigue resistance was typically 6%. A proposed ranking system revealed that sixteen of the nanomodified asphalt binders outperformed the control, with the 2% CNT providing the best-balanced performance, while 2% NAT was the least effective.